Unlike driving a car, riding a motorcycle has numerous benefits. Not only do you enjoy easier parking but also speed and less fuel consumption. It’s an exhilarating and fun experience to ride a motorcycle, but it also comes with its share of risks and can be dangerous if you don’t observe proper precautions. In fact, recent reports show more than 80,000 injuries and 5,000 deaths related to motorcycle accidents occur each year.
That’s mainly because motorcycles are less stable and visible than cars during maneuvers, and riders usually have limited protection like in an enclosed car. Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to ensure your safety on the roadways.One of them is installing carbon fiber muffler tips to improve your maneuverability and stability on the road. Click here for a wide collection of carbon fiber exhaust tips that you can choose from for your bike. Besides that, here are other motorcycle safety tips to help you stay safe on the roadways:
1. Get the Right Gear
Getting the right gear is one of the best motorcycle safety tips for any rider. Since a motorcycle doesn’t have an enclosure like a car, riders are usually unprotected and exposed to many hazards that could cause an accident. As a rider, it’s critically important that you get the right gear that will give you an added layer of protection.
The right motorcycle gear includes a high-quality helmet to protect yourself against head injuries in case of a collision, or you lose control and fall. Make sure you purchase a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation to meet the set safety standards. If your helmet doesn’t provide full-face protection, you should also get glasses or goggles for eye protection from flying objects that could impair your vision or cause injuries while riding.
Wearing the right clothing can also provide much-needed protection while riding a motorcycle. Protective clothing can include reinforced riding pants and jackets to reduce the risk of burns in case of road rash. You also need to wear gloves to protect your hands from the elements without hindering your dexterity. For feet protection, get sturdy riding boots.
2. Keep Your Bike in the Best Condition
If you only ride your bike occasionally and park it in the garage for weeks, if not months, you need to give it a tune-up before hitting the road. It’s always vital to give your motorcycle a safety inspection, even if you ride regularly. Every time before you head out with your motorcycle, check tire pressure, lights, signals, and mirrors to ensure everything is working correctly and properly set.
Additionally, inspect your bike for loose bolts, leaks, and signs of damage on the tires. You also need to regularly maintain your bike, including suspension and chain adjustments, oil changes, and staying on top of tire and brake pad wear. If you observe any potential mechanical problem, make sure that you fix it immediately to keep your motorcycle in the best condition.
3. Pay Attention to the Weather
Harsh weather conditions are usually one of the main causes of motorcycle accidents. And given that motorcycles have less traction and reduced stability than cars, riding during bad weather can be riskier. Moreover, bikes don’t have windshields like cars, which can expose you to elements, adding to the risk. For example, riding in the rain without windshield wipers can significantly reduce your visibility, increasing your risk of getting into an accident with other motorists.
You should always check the weather before heading out for a motorcycle ride. If you must make the trip while it’s raining, make sure you don’t ride immediately after the storm strikes. That’s because immediately after it starts to rain, the water brings oil and other residues to the surface, making the roads slippery. However, the oil and slick stuff gets washed away after some time, making the road less slippery and safer. The safest option is waiting for the rain to clear the road. Ride slowly and leave enough room between you and other motorists to allow for safe braking.
4. Recognize Your Abilities
Motorcycle riding is a skill you develop over time. While you may feel confident to ride around the neighborhood as a beginner, you need some expert skills to safely ride in heavy traffic on a freeway. To ensure your safety on the road, understand your skill level and always ride within your abilities. That means not riding at high speeds, weaving in and out of traffic, or doing dangerous stunts.
Avoid negotiating sharp corners at high speeds or taking unfamiliar routes without proper preparation. Instead, grow your skills first and only ride within your comfort zone. Be sure to get a bike that’s designed for your specific size and weight and that you can comfortably handle. You can take advanced riding courses to practice more advanced maneuvers sports or find a racing school if you want to get into motorcycle sports.
5. Always stay Alert and Ride Sober
One of the best ways to ride safely on a motorcycle is by always staying alert to changes in your surroundings. This is especially important since drivers in large cars and trucks often hardly see motorcyclists on the highway. Other drivers often ignore or overlook motorcyclists, so you must ride defensively while paying attention to everything around you.
Avoid distractions like fiddling with your phone while riding since it reduces your reaction time, increasing the risk of a collision. Avoid hitting the road on a motorcycle while drunk, under the influence of drugs, or while overly stressed or sleep-deprived. This could impair your judgment and reduce your reaction times.
Endnote
Going for a ride on a motorcycle can be an exciting and pleasurable experience as long as you ride safely. Understanding the many potential risks and taking the necessary measures to protect yourself against them can ensure you have the best moment out there. Follow the above tips to help you stay safe out on the road and allow you to ride another day.
Always keep your head up and attentive to your surroundings, so you can identify potential hazards like potholes and avoid them confidently and smoothly. If handling your bike is an issue for you, find a safe place where you can practice troublesome techniques to grow your motorcycle skills.
